Sea change on face masks
National regulations adapted for beach use
THE NATIONAL government has agreed changes to the new normality law (Ley de Nueva Normalidad) – which came into force last week – to allow beachgoers to remove face masks for swimming, water sports and sunbathing.
The proposals made by the Valencia government and others regions were given the green light in a videoconference meeting of the inter-territorial health committee on Wednesday.
The new national law obliges people to wear a face mask in almost all cases when they are in public areas.
Regional councillor for health Ana Barceló spoke with health minister Carolina Darias at the weekend over the regulations which establish norms for the whole of the country.
She said at the time that Valencia would submit proposals over the new legislation, asking for it to be adapted as the summer season approaches.
Sra Barceló explained that they wanted beachgoers to be exempt from wearing the face covering ‘when they are inside a safety area which means they are at least two metres away from other people’ – as well as when they are having a swim.
And this was the agreement which was reached at Wednesday’s meeting – although the ministry noted that social distancing of just 1.5 metres would be required from people who are not members of the same household.
The ministry stated that face masks would still have to be worn at the access points of beaches and for walking on a beach.
The new law states that people should wear face masks in all public areas, even when they are able to maintain social distancing.
Sra Darias explained that exceptions include people who are practising sport on an individual basis in the open air – as well as other physical activities in the outdoors – although they have to keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people.
State news agency EFE noted that the law includes exemptions for people who have breathing or medical problems which could be aggravated by the use of a face mask – or a disability.
Other exemptions include ‘force majeure’, unforeseen circumstances and being aged under six years old.